FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dawn Fraylick
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
March 21, 2024
Mount Clemens, MI - On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, a mother and father from Clinton Twp. were bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court in connection with allegedly starving their two year old biological son to death.
It is alleged that on Thursday, March 16, 2023, Sierra Pearl Zaitona found her son dead in his crib. The child’s father, Jonathan Matthew Cheek was at his mother’s house visiting when the boy was found dead. After the death, he returned to his home. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was fatal starvation.
Jonathon Matthew Cheek, 26 years old, and Sierra Pearl Zaitona, 28 years old, were charged with second degree murder (Life Felony), and Child Abuse Second Degree (10 Year Felony.) Both were bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court by Clinton Twp. 41B District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo, Jr.
An arraignment is scheduled for the parents on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 1:30pm in front of Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Edward Servitto.
"When parents betray the sacred trust to nurture and protect, we must ensure that the scales of justice tip in favor of accountability,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.